Work

Blue Economy Research (2011–2025): A Longitudinal Bibliometric Review and Its Alignment With Global Ocean Governance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The Blue Economy has emerged as a key framework for promoting sustainable development in marine and coastal systems. This study provides a longitudinal bibliometric review of peer‐reviewed Blue Economy research published between 2011 and 2025. Combining performance analysis, collaboration networks, funding information and thematic‐structural mapping with SciMAT, it examines the evolution, consolidation and policy relevance of the field. Results show rapid growth after 2015, increasing citation impact and thematic consolidation around governance, sustainability, pollution, biodiversity and ocean‐related development. The analysis identifies three main gaps: geographical and epistemic concentration in the Global North, the limited prominence of applied policy domains such as blue finance and sustainable tourism, and scarce empirical research on implementation outcomes. By linking bibliometric dynamics with global governance frameworks, the study offers an integrated and policy‐oriented understanding of Blue Economy research and its contribution to ocean sustainability transitions.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.71369

Authors: Álvaro J. Rojas‐Lamorena, Bárbara Montero‐González, Manuel Hernández‐Peinado, Tamara Guerrero‐Gómez

Institution: Universidad de Granada

Language: English

Topic: Coastal and Marine Management

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250